Songbirds of the Swamp
The Bald Cypress Swamps of the Pocomoke River that surround the Furnace Town Historic Site near Snow Hill, Maryland are referred to as “The Northernmost of the Southern Swamps.” In June, the swamp is teeming with neotropical migrants that nest and raise young in the cool, dark forest. This ecosystem is so critical for nesting songbirds that it has been identified as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by the National Audubon Society. 92 species were tallied during our 2025 event!
During June 13 – 14, we’ll search for warblers, vireos, flycatchers, tanagers and more as we explore the swamps and upland forests of the Pocomoke River and Nassawango Creek by kayak, canoe and on foot. We’ll also venture into the nearby Chincoteague Bay watershed to search for birds of the coastal marshes, and sample some Chincoteague Bay oysters with our friends at Baywater Seafood!
Before and after your birding adventures, we encourage you to visit beautiful, historic Snow Hill and learn about the rich history of the twenty-five acres of Furnace Town, the 19th century village of the Nassawango Iron Furnace.
Scroll down this page for field trip information. If you want to add your name to the interest list for Songbirds of the Swamp, please email dmvbirds@gmail.com with your name and the number in your party. We will contact you when registration opens.
Songbirds of Furnace Town (HIKING)
Time: 8:00 – 11:00 am
Guides: Russ Kovach & Jim Rapp
Cost: $35/person (Cost includes admission to Furnace Town for the morning birding tour and the evening concert. Scroll down to learn more!)
Meeting Location: meet in the parking area along Millville Road next to Furnace Town, located at 3816 Old Furnace Rd, Snow Hill, MD 21863. GPS coordinates: 38.204032, -75.471253
Please note: Prepare in advance for ticks, which we may encounter when walking through the trails at Furnace Town. Total hike should not exceed two miles on mostly flat trails.
